What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shaky
Example
The old bridge was shaky and made me nervous. [shaky: adjective]
Example
After the surgery, he felt shaky and weak. [shaky: adjective]
Example
She felt shaky and unsure about the job interview. [shaky: adjective]
trembling
Example
She was trembling with fear after watching the horror movie. [trembling: verb]
Example
His hands were trembling with cold in the winter weather. [trembling: verb]
Example
The patient was trembling with fever and weakness. [trembling: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trembling is less common than shaky in everyday language. Shaky is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while trembling is more specific and often used in more dramatic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shaky and trembling?
Both shaky and trembling are informal words that can be used in casual conversations. However, shaky can also be used in formal contexts to describe an unstable situation or object, while trembling is less likely to be used in formal settings.
